Any independent travelers done a Baltic Cruise (or any cruise)?
Oct 18th, 2016, 10:21 AM
#21
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Yes, I prefer independent travel and would never consider a large cruise line. Last year, however, I took my first cruise to the Baltic. It was sponsored by academic arrangements abroad and was on the Sea cloud II. It started in Denmark visited the Baltic countries and a couple of Scandinavian countries and ended in St. Petersburg. I found it enjoyable and particularly enjoyed the lectures on board. But, I think as with any Group travel you have to take the good with the bad. Our stops in each ofthe Baltic countries was brief. I prefer a more flexible schedule, but, for the Baltic area it was a good way to get a peek at many different countries.
Oct 18th, 2016, 10:29 AM
#22
Cruiseluv, I'm going to END this by saying we have been cruising and quite regularly since the 1970's. Yes, I know "what it is like" and believe it or not, I suspect my experiences were just as valid as your own.
Oct 18th, 2016, 11:04 AM
#23
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jgg,
We are independent travelers but love cruising when a good itinerary presents itself. We have exclusively been on Celebrity and have done about 5 European cruises with them, including the Baltic a few years ago. (There was also a great itinerary that included Malta, Corfu, Bari and Ravena in Italy, and other Adriatic ports -- 10 port days in an 11-night cruise.)
Contrary to a post above, IMO the cruise line absolutely does matter! Virtually all your dinners will be on the ship, and the last thing you want to deal with after a long sight-seeing day is a meal that doesn't meet your expectations.
I'd strongly encourage you to look into Aqua class on Celebrity. And the suggestion above to look for your 'roll call' on CruiseCritic is spot on. You'll have the chance to meet others on-line who are also booked on your same upcoming cruise and can plan small group port tours or other activities if you'd like.
We are independent travelers but love cruising when a good itinerary presents itself. We have exclusively been on Celebrity and have done about 5 European cruises with them, including the Baltic a few years ago. (There was also a great itinerary that included Malta, Corfu, Bari and Ravena in Italy, and other Adriatic ports -- 10 port days in an 11-night cruise.)
Contrary to a post above, IMO the cruise line absolutely does matter! Virtually all your dinners will be on the ship, and the last thing you want to deal with after a long sight-seeing day is a meal that doesn't meet your expectations.
I'd strongly encourage you to look into Aqua class on Celebrity. And the suggestion above to look for your 'roll call' on CruiseCritic is spot on. You'll have the chance to meet others on-line who are also booked on your same upcoming cruise and can plan small group port tours or other activities if you'd like.
Oct 18th, 2016, 11:42 AM
#24
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Again thank you all! Your comments have convinced me that this will be a good way to see this part of the world and that as independent travelers many of you also appreciated the benefits of a cruise and enjoy traveling that way for certain itineraries.
Thanks for the reminder to look hard at the itineraries - I was focused on ones that spend 3 days in SPB and still consider that an absolute must, but will also look hard at the other days as well.
traveller1959 - thanks for the info and appreciate your recommendation for Anastasia (after all that is what this site is for!!)
Thanks to all comments about not spending a lot of time on the ship, however I have to agree with GinnyJo that the cruise line will matter to us as, for us, dinners really will be important (nothing worse than mediocre dinners for 10 nights) and a comfortable bed/room. I realize some compromises may need to be made but I suspect I might be able to find good itinerary and highly rated cruise line. Thanks for the Celebrity recommendation I will check it out.
Off to check out the cruise lines!!
Thanks for the reminder to look hard at the itineraries - I was focused on ones that spend 3 days in SPB and still consider that an absolute must, but will also look hard at the other days as well.
traveller1959 - thanks for the info and appreciate your recommendation for Anastasia (after all that is what this site is for!!)
Thanks to all comments about not spending a lot of time on the ship, however I have to agree with GinnyJo that the cruise line will matter to us as, for us, dinners really will be important (nothing worse than mediocre dinners for 10 nights) and a comfortable bed/room. I realize some compromises may need to be made but I suspect I might be able to find good itinerary and highly rated cruise line. Thanks for the Celebrity recommendation I will check it out.
Off to check out the cruise lines!!
Oct 18th, 2016, 12:28 PM
#25
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We are independent travellers but also have cruised a lot. And I must say, when it comes to quality levels, the main difference between the cruise lines is in fact the quality of food. And I must say, Celebrity had the worst food we ever encountered on the seven seas.
Quality of dinner on ship may count on a Baltic cruise a little more than on other (e.g. Mediterranean) cruises because the Baltic is not known for excellent food. So, do not expect memorable things for lunch. After spending your day in a port with some street food for lunch, you will praise an excellent dinner on your ship! And you will get what you have paid for.
Quality of dinner on ship may count on a Baltic cruise a little more than on other (e.g. Mediterranean) cruises because the Baltic is not known for excellent food. So, do not expect memorable things for lunch. After spending your day in a port with some street food for lunch, you will praise an excellent dinner on your ship! And you will get what you have paid for.
Oct 18th, 2016, 12:46 PM
#26
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Not a cruise, but in June I took an overnight ferry from Helsinki to St. Petersburg and back three days later. (72 hour "visa free" visit to St. Petersburg.) I had never been on a cruise or overnight ferry before, and I was a little nervous about it - but I wound up loving the experience. The St. Peter Line ferry was huge, almost like a cruise ship. It probably helped that the weather was great so smooth sailing.
You can read my trip reports about my whole Baltics trip and specifically about the ferry by clicking on my name.
FYI, as I understand it, if you visit St. Petersburg without a visa, if you are on a cruise ship, your movement is more restricted vs. the way I did it, where I was able to travel independently for 2.5 days completely on my own. Many people find that not enough time for such a huge city, though, but it was good enough for me as a first visit.
You can read my trip reports about my whole Baltics trip and specifically about the ferry by clicking on my name.
FYI, as I understand it, if you visit St. Petersburg without a visa, if you are on a cruise ship, your movement is more restricted vs. the way I did it, where I was able to travel independently for 2.5 days completely on my own. Many people find that not enough time for such a huge city, though, but it was good enough for me as a first visit.
Oct 18th, 2016, 12:51 PM
#27
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traveller1959 -- I am surprised and sorry to hear your comments re: Celebrity food. Our experience is exactly the opposite after dozens and dozens of nights on Celebrity. Actually I can only recall one evening last year where we were disappointed in the main dining room.
jgg - We were happy with SPB tours for our 2 days in St. Petersburg.
jgg - We were happy with SPB tours for our 2 days in St. Petersburg.
One day it was in port when we were. A magnificent looking ship.
Oct 18th, 2016, 02:26 PM
#29
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In June we went on a Baltic cruise. We loved St Petersburg and our 2 day tour with ALLA. If you can do 3 days in St Petersburg, that would be ideal. Azamara cruise line was docked right on the river unlike ours (CMV) which was a 30 minute ride away from the city. The time in Tallinn was enough, Helsinki was only 4 hours, Stockholm 4 hours, Copenhagen 4 hours (rain) and we did not have a Plan B in case of rain. I would suggest beginning and ending in Stockholm or Copenhagen, so you can add time there at the start or end of your trip. We had an inside room and it worked out fine.
Oct 18th, 2016, 02:56 PM
#30
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Well Dukey1, the only thing I can then say is that I'm glad I didnt wasn't so unlucky to run into all those "stuffy" people that apparently soured you on the upscale lines. Getting ready to go back on Regent for a Transatlantic out of Civitavecchia, cant wait.
jgg, when we did the Baltic cruise with Regent we used Red October for private tours in St Petersburg and were very pleased with them.
jgg, when we did the Baltic cruise with Regent we used Red October for private tours in St Petersburg and were very pleased with them.
Nov 3rd, 2016, 01:54 AM
#31
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We never take organized tours, but in Russia we chose to take our own private tour with guide.
Both cruise lines you mention are in the top 5 cruise lines. Our Baltic cruise was one of the best vacations we have had. As far as 'independent' Russia is one the most difficult countries to do a totally independent trip. Getting a visa is very difficult and time consuming. I suggest you use a company that does Russian visa's for you or take the tour below. You have to be 'invited' by a Russian agency to enter the country.
What we did is use a company that provided a private tour, from the ship to the sites. No visa is required for this type of tour. The downside is that you cannot explore on your own without the guide.
Be VERY specific on the places you want to go, as well as the order you want to see them. Making a change is almost impossible.
This way you get the best of both a guided tour and independent travel.
We used Red October travel agency and were very pleased. Make sure you have a balcony cabin, the entry into Stockholm is breath taking.
One last thing. At thc Czar's last palace, there is a small church that the Czar and his family used. Try and not miss this. There was a special atmosphere we felt.
Have a great time, you will be amazed at how the Romonov's lived.
Ciao!
Both cruise lines you mention are in the top 5 cruise lines. Our Baltic cruise was one of the best vacations we have had. As far as 'independent' Russia is one the most difficult countries to do a totally independent trip. Getting a visa is very difficult and time consuming. I suggest you use a company that does Russian visa's for you or take the tour below. You have to be 'invited' by a Russian agency to enter the country.
What we did is use a company that provided a private tour, from the ship to the sites. No visa is required for this type of tour. The downside is that you cannot explore on your own without the guide.
Be VERY specific on the places you want to go, as well as the order you want to see them. Making a change is almost impossible.
This way you get the best of both a guided tour and independent travel.
We used Red October travel agency and were very pleased. Make sure you have a balcony cabin, the entry into Stockholm is breath taking.
One last thing. At thc Czar's last palace, there is a small church that the Czar and his family used. Try and not miss this. There was a special atmosphere we felt.
Have a great time, you will be amazed at how the Romonov's lived.
Ciao!
Nov 3rd, 2016, 02:14 AM
#32
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jjg:
One last comment on the cruise line. Having 3 days in St.Petersburg is much better than 2 days. So much to see in just 2 days.
If you decide to go with a less expensive line, I would recommend Celebrity. It is less than the top 5 lines, but we find it is just right for us. Food is outstanding (better than the Queen Mary), entertainment and service is very good.
You can't go wrong with any of the lines you mentioned. As suggested elsewhere, find the ships you are interested in, then read the reviews on Cruise Critic.
Hope this helps. We have taken 32 cruises and have had a great time on all of them. Never bored.
One last comment on the cruise line. Having 3 days in St.Petersburg is much better than 2 days. So much to see in just 2 days.
If you decide to go with a less expensive line, I would recommend Celebrity. It is less than the top 5 lines, but we find it is just right for us. Food is outstanding (better than the Queen Mary), entertainment and service is very good.
You can't go wrong with any of the lines you mentioned. As suggested elsewhere, find the ships you are interested in, then read the reviews on Cruise Critic.
Hope this helps. We have taken 32 cruises and have had a great time on all of them. Never bored.
Nov 3rd, 2016, 03:00 AM
#33
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Two Fodorites are writing that there is good food on Celebrity ships. Maybe it has improved since we sailed with Celebrity.
When we sailed, they had stanard menus without fresh regional products which we loved so much on Holland America and other ships. But maybe they have identified their weak spot and improved!
When we sailed, they had stanard menus without fresh regional products which we loved so much on Holland America and other ships. But maybe they have identified their weak spot and improved!
Feb 9th, 2017, 03:51 PM
#34
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Thank you again for everyone's input!! We have booked a Baltic Cruise on Oceania. Not one of the smaller cruises but also not a mega ship. It gets excellent reviews, but we ultimately chose it as it had the exact itinerary I wanted - 3 days in SPB, starting in Stockholm ending in Copenhagen where we would like to spend some extra time. In addition it had the perfect dates for us. I came back here to remind me of the recommendations people made regarding SPB guides as well as the Helsinki bike tour so I'm off to research those!!
Feb 9th, 2017, 04:48 PM
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Just saw this, and thought I'd send my two cents; we have been to Europe 15 times, but have only done one land tour in Italy (it was too good a deal to pass up) and our Baltic Cruise on Celebrity 7-8 Junes ago. Loved it. 12-day itinerary beginning in Amsterdam, then Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, St. P, Tallinn, Oslo. Went with another couple. Thought 12 days would be too much. It was ideal actually. When you look at a map, it's really the only way to zig-zag to these ports. We had friends who took a Baltic trip via land and were very unhappy with the buses, short flight, etc.
We did our own sightseeing in all the cities except for St. P, where we would strongly recommend going through Oceania or another great company, Shore Excursions (priced well under Oceania too). Several agents and friends have used that company. If you are active as I believe you are, the above cities are easily accessible on foot once dropped off by the cruiseline shuttle (Helsinki & Tallinn). Otherwise, in Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo we walked to what we wanted to see, taxied to Vigeland Park in Oslo, but overall was very easy to handle.
As a foursome naturally we stuck together and were seated with another foursome for all of the dinners. Breakfasts and lunches were on our own. It was a comfortable line, not luxurious. But the destinations, timing and pricing were perfect for us that June. It was an extremely hot June, so keep abreast of the temps and have a fabulous time.
Agree with Dukey1 above, in St. P, do everything you can, you'll probably not be back. We loved the Hermitage, the Summer Palace, the Peterhof, the subway tour, the markets. Went to a concert rather than the ballet, think the company was actually performing in NY at that time and not available. Note, alot of the restaurants, venues, are not air conditioned. Temps that June were well into the 90s!!!
We did our own sightseeing in all the cities except for St. P, where we would strongly recommend going through Oceania or another great company, Shore Excursions (priced well under Oceania too). Several agents and friends have used that company. If you are active as I believe you are, the above cities are easily accessible on foot once dropped off by the cruiseline shuttle (Helsinki & Tallinn). Otherwise, in Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo we walked to what we wanted to see, taxied to Vigeland Park in Oslo, but overall was very easy to handle.
As a foursome naturally we stuck together and were seated with another foursome for all of the dinners. Breakfasts and lunches were on our own. It was a comfortable line, not luxurious. But the destinations, timing and pricing were perfect for us that June. It was an extremely hot June, so keep abreast of the temps and have a fabulous time.
Agree with Dukey1 above, in St. P, do everything you can, you'll probably not be back. We loved the Hermitage, the Summer Palace, the Peterhof, the subway tour, the markets. Went to a concert rather than the ballet, think the company was actually performing in NY at that time and not available. Note, alot of the restaurants, venues, are not air conditioned. Temps that June were well into the 90s!!!
